
Kareena Kapoor's nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar slams diet myths: ‘People avoid halwa, pinni but eat sugary biscuits'
The sugar we accept vs. the sugar we question
"Saying NO to kids is the best tool that parents have to ensure their good health," wrote Rujuta in the caption. In her post, she explains, 'We're okay with the sugar and chemicals that come from malted powders or biscuits, simply because they come nicely packaged.'
She points out the irony in how people often question traditional sweets but not processed ones: 'We have a problem with sugar that comes from homemade sweets like pinni, halwa, or kheer. Why? Because once you give up cooking like your grandmother did, you think it's cooler not to go back to it.'
How industries cash in on this mindset
Rujuta adds that this mindset has been cleverly used by industries. 'This is a behaviour observed by the food, pharmaceutical, and weight-loss industries. They know that if you give the rich in poor nations something alien to them, they'll fall for it.' On how to handle sugar cravings in children, she says, 'If your child asks for a biscuit, just say 'No.' That's all. It's your responsibility as a parent to say no.'
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


NDTV
2 hours ago
- NDTV
Is Khapli Atta Healthier Than Regular Wheat Atta? An Expert Weighs In
Atta (wheat flour) is a staple in Indian kitchens. From chapatis and parathas to snacks and sweets, it's a daily essential that many of us can't go a day without. In recent times, however, several other varieties of flour have entered the market. Among them, khapli atta has gained significant popularity. Also known as emmer wheat flour, it's especially favoured by those looking to eat healthier. But is it truly better than regular wheat flour or just another passing fad? Let's find out from dietitian Shweta J Panchal. What Is Wheat Atta? Wheat atta is the regular flour we use every day in Indian kitchens. It's usually made from a type of wheat called Triticum aestivum, also known as common bread wheat. It's easily available, budget-friendly and simple to use. What Is Khapli Atta? Khapli atta is made from an ancient type of wheat called Triticum dicoccum. It has been grown in parts of India, especially Maharashtra and Karnataka, for hundreds of years. This flour has a light reddish-brown colour and a slightly nutty taste. Also Read: What Are The Health Benefits Of Wheat Atta? 1. Good Source Of Energy It provides complex carbs that keep you energised through the day. This makes it a reliable option for daily meals, especially for active individuals. 2. Rich In Fibre Helps with digestion and keeps your gut healthy. Regular intake can support smoother bowel movements and prevent constipation. 3. Supports Heart Health Contains nutrients like magnesium and antioxidants. These may help regulate blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. 4. Keeps You Full Helps manage hunger and supports weight control. It can prevent overeating by keeping you satisfied for longer. What Are The Health Benefits Of Khapli Atta? 1. Lower Glycaemic Index Breaks down slowly, helps manage blood sugar levels. Ideal for people with diabetes or those watching their sugar intake. 2. Rich In Fibre Aids digestion and keeps you full longer. It may also support gut health by feeding good bacteria. 3. Less Gluten Easier on the gut for those with mild gluten sensitivity. It can reduce bloating and digestive discomfort in some individuals. 4. Nutrient-Rich Packed with B vitamins, magnesium, and iron. These nutrients support energy production, immunity, and overall wellness. Check out the full video below: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dietitian Shweta J Panchal | The Diet Therapy (@ Khapli Atta vs Wheat Atta: What's Actually Better? It really depends on your body's needs and lifestyle. Dietitian Shweta J Panchal explains that over the years, regular wheat has changed. "A century ago, wheat had a simple protein structure. But with genetic modifications, the wheat we eat today has become harder to digest, more inflammatory, and less nutritious," she says. That's where khapli wheat makes a difference - it's less processed, easier on the gut, and holds more nutrients. So, if you're looking for something that's high in fibre, better for digestion, and more blood sugar-friendly, khapli atta is a great choice - especially for those managing diabetes, inflammation or mild gluten sensitivity. But if you have no gluten concerns, lead an active lifestyle and want a versatile flour that's lighter on the pocket, regular wheat atta still does the job well. Also Read:


Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Pumped up with poison
anabolic steroids Griffith University Eighteen-year-old Mark scrolls Instagram late at night, watching videos of fitness influencers showing off muscle gains and lifting the equivalent of a baby elephant off the gym on by hashtags and usernames indicating these feats involve steroids, soon Mark is online, ordering his first 'steroid cycle'. No script, no warnings, just vials in the mail and the promise of 'gains'.A few weeks later, he's posting progress shots and getting tagged as #MegaMark. He's pleased. But what if I told you Mark was unknowingly injecting toxic chemicals?In our new research we tested products sold in Australia's underground steroid market and found many were mislabelled or missing the expected steroid more concerning, several contained heavy metals such as lead, arsenic and cadmium. These substances are known to cause cancer, heart disease and organ steroids are synthetic drugs designed to mimic the effects of testosterone. Medical professionals sometimes prescribe them for specific health conditions (for example, hypogonadism, where the body isn't making enough sex hormones). But they are more commonly taken by people looking to increase muscle size, improve athletic performance, or elevate feelings of usually take steroids as pills and capsules or injectable oil- or water-based products. But while many people assume these products are safe if used correctly, they're made outside regulated settings, with no official quality this new study, we analysed 28 steroid products acquired from people all over Australia which they'd purchased either online or from peers in the gym. These included 16 injectable oils, ten varieties of oral tablets, and two 'raw' independent forensic lab tested the samples for active ingredients, contaminants and heavy metals. We then compared the results against what people thought they were than half of the samples were mislabelled or contained the wrong drug. For example, one product labelled as testosterone enanthate (200mg/mL) contained 159mg/mL of trenbolone (a potent type of steroid) and no detectable testosterone. Oxandrolone (also known as 'Anavar', another type of steroid) tablets were sold claiming a strength of 10mg but actually contained 6.8mg, showing a disparity in four products matched their expected compound and purity within a 5% the biggest concern was that all steroids we analysed were contaminated with some level of heavy metals, including lead, arsenic and all of the concentrations we detected were within daily exposure limits regarded as safe by health authorities, more frequent and heavier use of these drugs would quickly see people who use steroids exceed safe thresholds. And we know this consumed above safe limits, research suggests lead can damage the brain and heart. Arsenic is a proven carcinogen, having been linked to the development of skin, liver and lung who use steroids often dose for weeks or months, and sometimes stack multiple drugs, so these metals would build up. This means long-term steroid use could be quietly fuelling cognitive decline, organ failure, and even metals such as lead, arsenic and cadmium often contaminate anabolic steroid products because raw powders sourced from some manufacturers, particularly those in China, may be produced with poor quality control and impure starting materials. These metals can enter the supply chain during synthesis, handling, or from contaminated equipment and solvents, leading to their presence in the final use isn't going away, so we need to address the potential health harms from these pill testing is now common at festivals for drugs such as ecstasy, testing anabolic steroids requires more complex chemical analysis that cannot be conducted steroid testing relies on advanced laboratory techniques, which limits availability mostly to specialised research programs such as those in Australia and need to invest properly in a national steroid surveillance and testing network, which will give us data-driven insights to inform targeted interventions.


Economic Times
3 hours ago
- Economic Times
Blaming 'slow metabolism' for weight gain? Top doctor reveals muscle mass secret to reignite your body's fat-burning engine
iStock Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj challenges the notion of slow metabolism as the primary cause of weight gain, highlighting muscle loss as a more significant factor. After 30, muscle mass declines, reducing calorie burn. The Mayo Clinic supports this, stating muscle mass influences metabolic rate. (Image: iStock) For decades, 'slow metabolism' has been the go-to scapegoat for weight gain and failed diet attempts. From late-night infomercials to trendy wellness podcasts, fixing metabolism has been sold as the ultimate solution to slimming down. But is your metabolism truly the villain here? Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj, a US-based interventional cardiologist and certified functional medicine practitioner, is calling for a reality check. In a recent Instagram post that's gaining attention, he challenges the widely held belief that sluggish metabolism is the root cause of weight gain—and suggests we may be overlooking a much more fundamental issue: muscle loss. 'Muscle is your most metabolically active tissue,' Dr. Bhojraj wrote in the post. 'No muscle = no metabolic engine.' His claim is backed by compelling science. After the age of 30, we naturally lose 3–8% of muscle mass each decade, and that drop has serious consequences for how many calories we burn—even at rest. This muscle decline, combined with sedentary lifestyles and poor protein timing, can be a more significant factor in stubborn weight gain than metabolism itself. The doctor's blunt conclusion: 'We've blamed a slow metabolism for decades. But it's time we talked about muscle.' Supporting Dr. Bhojraj's assertion is a report by the Mayo Clinic, which confirms that basal metabolic rate (the energy your body uses at rest) is heavily influenced by body composition—particularly muscle mass. In other words, the more muscle you have, the more calories you burn even when you're not determinants of metabolic rate include: Body size and muscle mass – Larger bodies and more muscle mean higher calorie burn. Sex – Men usually have more muscle and less fat than women, resulting in faster metabolism. Age – Aging is linked to muscle loss, which slows down metabolism. Additionally, the Mayo Clinic states that weight gain usually stems from an imbalance between calories consumed and burned—not from inherently slow metabolism. Only rare medical conditions like hypothyroidism or Cushing syndrome significantly affect metabolic Bhojraj isn't alone in linking muscle loss with sluggish calorie burn. The Mayo Clinic explains that a drop in muscle mass naturally reduces your basal metabolic rate, meaning your body needs fewer calories than it once did. Yet, many people continue eating as though their bodies haven't changed—leading to gradual weight gain. And it's not just about building muscle at the gym. Everyday movement plays a huge role, too. Non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT)—which includes walking around the house, fidgeting, or doing chores—can account for up to 800 calories burned per Bhojraj's prescription is simple yet powerful: Prioritize muscle. That means engaging in regular strength training and ensuring your diet includes enough protein, especially after age Mayo Clinic echoes this advice, recommending: Strength training at least twice a week for all major muscle groups. Aerobic activity for at least 30 minutes most days of the week. Staying active throughout the day—move often, not just during your workouts. Forget fad diets or unregulated supplements that promise a metabolic miracle. According to both experts, there's no substitute for building muscle and staying active if you want to maintain a healthy metabolism.